It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences A Writer's Guide to Crafting Killer Sentences

Great writing isn’t born, it’s built—sentence by sentence. But too many writers—and writing guides—overlook this most important unit. The result? Manuscripts that will never be published and writing careers that will never begin.

In this wickedly humorous manual, language columnist June Casagrande uses grammar and syntax to show exactly what makes some sentences great—and other sentences suck.

With chapters on “Conjunctions That Kill” and “Words Gone Wild,” this lighthearted guide is perfect for anyone who’s dead serious about writing, from aspiring novelists to nonfiction writers, conscientious students to cheeky literati. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to craft one bold, effective sentence after another. Your readers will thank you.

“an editor and grammar columnist’s funny but no-nonsense guide to better writing.” -St. Petersburg Times

“Great writing starts with strong sentences. This is your guidebook to mastering the art.” -Donald Maass, literary agent and author of The Fire in Fiction

“June mixes sassy fun with practical advice. You’ll laugh all the way to writing better.” -Mignon Fogarty, author of Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

“It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences is that incredibly rare breed of book: a guide to grammar and style that is simultaneously smart, engaging, and instructive. By tackling prose composition on a sentence-by-sentence level, June Casagrande has found a way to provide intensely practical advice for the novice writer—not to mention unexpected insights for the expert writer. It would make a welcome addition to any language lover’s library.”-Elizabeth Little, author of Biting the Wax Tadpole

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